Case Studies

Skills Academy Case Studies

William Taylor

Although William Taylor has always been interested in architecture and the built environment, poor school grades meant it looked unlikely that he’d ever be able to pursue his dream job.

However several years of hard work at Leeds College of Building meant that in the summer of 2014 he secured a place to study architecture at the University of Bristol.

William attended Prince Henry’s Grammar School at Otley and when he was 14 he took advantage of a unique partnership, known as the 14-16 Skills Academy, that the school had established with Leeds College of Building.

The 14-16 Skills Academy aims to deliver a comprehensive range of high-quality construction and building related vocational learning opportunities to school pupils aged between 14 and 16.

Today there are more than 25 schools participating in the scheme and as a result more than 200 school pupils either attend Leeds College of Building or else the College visits the schools to set up and deliver its programmes.

William left school at 16 to start a plastering course at Leeds College of Building and two years later he’d successfully gained his Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications. He then decided to study for a Level 2 BTEC qualification in Construction and the Built Environment, before embarking on Level 3 Extended Diploma.

William explains: “I’ve been interested in architecture for as long as I can remember. When I was younger we often spent family days out visiting National Trust and English Heritage sites and it was always the historic buildings that fascinated me.

“I didn’t do very well at school but starting the 14-16 Skills Academy changed everything and was a great introduction to life at Leeds College of Building and the huge range of courses on offer. I decided to do the plastering course, which has opened lots of doors for me when it comes to other qualifications, but I know that one day I want to work as an architect so that’s what I’m firmly focussed on.”

Through years of dedication, hard work and progression, William’s confidence has grown. Whilst at LCB he took an active role in the College curriculum and represents fellow students in his position of Student Governor.

We are pleased to report that William passed his course and is now one step further to his dream job and is studying Architecture at Bristol University.